Sun Life Financial named one of Canada's healthiest workplaces

- Sun Life Financial recognized as a top employer for its commitment to health and wellness in the workplace -

TORONTO, Oct. 25, 2017 /CNW/ - Sun Life Financial Inc. (TSX: SLF) (NYSE: SLF) is proud to be awarded the Venngo Healthy Workplaces Award in the 2017 National HR Awards by Canadian HR Reporter for its exceptional health and wellness workplace programs. Sun Life was recognized in this highly competitive space for its outstanding mental, physical and financial wellness programs including those that foster a happy, healthy and engaged employee base.

"When we first started on this journey, we considered all aspects of health and wellness and focused our strategy on the three areas that are integral to well-being: mental, physical and financial health. Given the global nature of business, we make sure our wellness programs are tailored to each region where we operate and are designed to meet employees' varying needs and improve engagement," says Carrie Blair, EVP and Chief Human Resources & Communications Officer at Sun Life Financial. "Our focus on wellness and a healthy workplace also helps us bring our Purpose to life for our employees, 'to help our Clients achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives.'"

Every year, Sun Life evaluates the effectiveness of its Benefits and Wellness program based on employee feedback and data. Last year, for example, Sun Life identified an increased need for mental health support, expanded its list of eligible providers to cover seven different types of mental health practitioners, and increased the psychology benefit from $1,200 to $12,500 per family member. This year, Sun Life was also pleased to offer coverage for gender confirmation related expenses up to a maximum of $100,000, which includes doctor services, laboratory fees and travel costs.

"With a record number of nominations, the competition for the National HR Awards was fierce this year. There is growing awareness of not only the benefits of a healthy workforce but also the critical role an employer has to play. Sun Life understands this, and our judges were impressed by the quality and depth of their programs," said Todd Humber, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Canadian HR Reporter, a Thomson Reuters publication.

About Sun Life Financial
Sun Life Financial is a leading international financial services organization providing a diverse range of insurance, wealth and asset management solutions to individuals and corporate Clients. Sun Life Financial has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of June 30, 2017, Sun Life Financial had total assets under management of $944 billion. For more information please visit www.sunlife.com.

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.

About National HR Awards
Established in 2015, the National HR Awards are awarded annually by Canadian HR Reporter and Thomson Reuters. Nominations are accepted from organizations across Canada and handed over to an independent judging panel of leading experts. Winners are celebrated at a gala event in downtown Toronto and in-depth stories about best practices are published in the November 13, 2017, issue of Canadian HR Reporter and shared online via articles and videos.

Note to Editors: All figures in Canadian dollars except as otherwise noted. 

Media Relations Contact:
Sarah Loat
Manager, Communications
Corporate Communications
T. 519-502-7603
sarah.loat@sunlife.com

SOURCE Sun Life Financial Inc.